Personal Hygiene
Hygiene refers to conditions and practices that help to maintain health
and prevent the spread of diseases. Personal hygiene refers to
maintaining the body's cleanliness. Motivations for personal hygiene
practice include reduction of personal illness, healing from illness,
optimal health and sense of wellbeing, social acceptance, and
prevention of spread of illness to others. Following are certain
components of personal hygiene:
1. Hand washing:
Most infections, especially colds and gastroenteritis, are caught
when we put our unwashed hands, which have germs on them, to
our mouth. Hands and wrists should be washed with clean soap
and water. You should always wash your hands:
• After using the toilet
• Before eating food
• If you have been around someone who is coughing or has a cold.
2. Body odor:
Body smells are caused by a number of factors working in combination, including the actions of
bacteria that live on the skin and feed on dead skin cells and sweat and unwashed clothes. You
can fight bad body odor by incorporating certain practices in your daily routine like:
• Shower regularly
• Change clothes everyday
• Use cotton undergarments
• Use deodorants (antiperspirants)
3. Bad breath:
Good dental hygiene includes regular brushing and flossing. Bad breath can be caused by
diseases of the teeth, gums and mouth, such as infections. For a healthy mouth and smile, brush
the teeth for 2 minutes at least twice a day.
4. Nails:
Using sanitized tools to trim the nails and keep them short is one of the best ways to ensure that
no dirt can collect underneath them.
Summary:
Keeping the body clean has positive effects on a person’s social life and their physical and mental health.
Personal hygiene is simply looking after the body and keeping it clean and healthy. Developing and
maintaining a personal hygiene routine is key to having a healthy body and mind.
Doctor’s Advice for the flu season:
• Wash your hands regularly/ use hand sanitizer
• Eat healthy diet (to build your immune system) – More fruits and
vegetables
• Adequate sleep
• get your flu shot
• Clean surfaces
• Avoid close contact
• Stay home when you’re sick
• Wear a mask
